Summer Heat in Spring

It was almost 90 degrees out today. David and I were sweating like we were being roasted. We kept on taking out cold water from the refrigerator. At lunchtime I suggested we eat by the Pittsford canal and enjoy the view and the breeze.  

Asians generally hate being exposed to direct sunlight for fear of getting dark skin.  Asians with dark skin are considered belonging to the lower social status, i.e. having dark skin means you work in the fields etc.  To European Americans sunlight is like manna from heaven.  Guys and gals barely wear clothes for fear that they may miss areas in their tanning  routine. Well, I guess the dermatology business is still in boom.  Hence, more visits to the doctor's office for skin cancer treatment.

This is our favorite pasttime- eating out.

Feeding the ducks and geese.

The famous view.

Bodilicious.

The more skin exposed the better.

Some tourist attractions.

Graveyard Shift

David and I went to the Dansville Cemetery today to check on the lots he bought there.  He had his tombstone from Hornell Cemetery transferred.  He is also planning to have his mother, who was buried in Hornell, transferred next to his grave. We also put the bench we bought Sunday (boy, were they heavy.  It is made of carved stone) from the garden factory.  We also put flowers in the pots and planted tulips.

"This is where I'm going to be buried," David said while playing dead.

Showing off his new car. We had an accident last January days

before our vacation to Hawaii. He replaced his Toyota corolla, which I really

loved driving, with this.

Me, so tired from the heat and lifting the stones.

David liked the combinaton of colors in the pot. 

 I told him to get orange-colored flowers. 

The (Not-So-) Secret Garden

David fell in love with the metal flowers and insects made with recycled spoons and forks sold at the Lilac Festival site.  After buying one flower for more than $30 one day, he came back to buy two more items - a flower and a dragonfly.

Here he is admiring the works of art.

At another booth.

And here are the items in his garden.

We planted the flowers, purchased at the public market, in the pots.

Where's That Duck?

We saw a duck in David's backyard today. We usually see them by the canal in Pittsford being fed by people or in parks around Rochester. We've seen a family of geese and turkeys crossing the street near we live, deer, a fox, woodchuck, rabbits, moles and other birds but it's the first time we saw a duck walking in the backyard. It was stolling like it was on a vacation. I hurriedly grabbed my camera to take a picture of it upclose but by the time I was at the area, he was nowhere to be found. Instead I found this rabbit munching grass (probably the same rabbit that ate David's tulips):

And here is the bike/walking trail behind David's house (the weeds haven't bloomed yet. I am to gather berries again this summer):

And flowers in bloom in his front yard.

The Bicycle Diaries: Skaneateles, NY Sojourn

David is obsessed with going out and go biking this summer. We've been doing bike trail hunting for weeks. Last week we drove down to Skaneateles (pronounced: skinny atlas), New York. Now, I haven't been to that place before. It's a gorgeous and scenic little town overlooking Seneca Lake. Now, one of our friends say that it is one of former US Pres. Bill Clinton's favorite vacation spot.

Although we brought our bikes we never had the chance to pedal around because they don't have a biking trail. However, we enjoyed the little stores and the fish fry.

'The Bicycle Diaries'

"Oh I love your color."

Most of us Filipinos would not appreciate such praise. No, not when you are in the Philippines. Especially when your skin is darker than brown.

Fact is, I have a hate-love relationship with my current skin color. But my American friends are drooling over my tan. However, it is just basically on the arms and legs. I am like a chameleon which has some genetic disease.

For the past three weeks David and I pedaled our bicycles and trekked biking trails around New York. I, in turn, turned into a chocolate piaya. How great is that? There's a sweet yam piaya, but a chocolate variety is a rare find. When I went back home to the Philippines on a brief visit I was amazed with the number of television commercials focused on whitening products - from creams to tablets. Filipinos do appreciate a person more when he or she has a lighter complexion. It is refereed to as the skin color of the rich and glamorous. Even my mother would do everything to achieve a lighter complexion.

Americans are opposite. They visit the tanning center to get that "delicious" tan they want. If they cannot achieve it through the tanning bed they would themselves sprayed with tanning paint. I don't know if you could taste the tanning paint when you kiss somebody who has applied it to their body. (There goes my tongue - it turned copper!)

"Oh, I love your skin's color." Yeah, now I know how uncomfortable it is being stared at. It was no wonder why people in Bacolod looked at me like I am a celebrity.

It is funny to think that Americans bask in the sun to get that tan. I would cringe whenever I hear Americans admire a friend whose skin seemed baked. "Oh, you have a lovely tan." The person would beam and say "Thank you" like a kid who was given a treat. I would have told him/her, "Oh, what a lovely skin cancer you have." My friends at home would not even believe that some students wear their bikinis at school during summer. "They allow that?" they would ask. They mean wearing bikinis on campus. For us who are educated under Catholic schools, even the girls' school uniform, skirts actually, should be cut below the knee.

So, after several biking bonanza I am now a certified (only God knows where I got that idea) cholo. David and I constantly go around Nazareth College because of the vast sidewalk area the campus has. However, it is hard to pedal up on a hill. Nevertheless we achieved our goal of building muscles on our buns. We dared to trace where Pittsford/Erie Canal trail leads, only to stop at a distance knowing that the road will lead us to Niagara Falls as the map indicated.

We also went around Seneca State Park. We enjoyed the lake breeze and the beautiful park. We even went as far as Sodus trying to find a nice bike trail to no avail.

The most wonderful part, apparantly to my end, was when we went to Mendon Pond's Park, not to bike (but it was the original plan), but to pick wild berries along the road.

On the other hand, when we finish our exercise we go home and ravage the food in the refrigerator. Or shop at the grocery store for some ice cream.

Well, at least we tried our best.

Farming Joys and Maladies

David and I were thrilled to see some plants growing around his lamppost on his lawn. Last year we had beautiful flowers around it. This year we are hoping to grow vegetables. We had butternut squash which I planted under the deck last year.


David thought it was butternut squash growing around the lamppost, but I told him I haven't planted any on the site. We were hitting our heads on the brick wall figuring what the little greens were. Then David hit the ceiling. He remembered, alas something David remembered, that he had set pumpkins out by the lamppost all winter. That solved the puzzle. Now, we're having pumpkins for the fall (it has started blooming).


Now, David is shooing the plant which has grown two feet. All because he doesn't want it to stretch on the lawn. The poor plant doesn't know where to crawl.


Under the deck we planted potatoes, butternut squash, and peppers. Yes, ladies and gentleman, David and I are going green! Beat that!


Unfortunately, a chipmunk has been digging the butternut seeds. The same chipmunk that havocs the birdfeed on the birdfeeder I set out in front of my room's window. Yes, I see that culprit everyday munching on the sunflower seeds and cracked corn I reserved for the birds.

Birthday Bash

Last Sunday, March 16, was my birthday. Well, my "original" birthday, that is. I mean, the birthday that I came to know - which I celebrated since I was born. However, things changed when I was preparing my papers for my passport. I had to secure my birth certificate from my birth place (Bais City, Negros Oriental) and my record showed that my birthday on my birth certificate indicate I was born on May 16. I was devastated when I learned about it. I thought it just showed that I am adopted. But my parents insisted it was pure typographical error. Heck, we didn't go with the changing process, so I ended up with the May 16th on my passport. It was hard to accept it at first but you get used to it. Besides it is great to have two "birthdays."


So, last Sunday, after David and I attended church we went to Tillman's Restaurant which is a million miles away from Pittsford, even farther than Brockport. I almost fell asleep on the way there. I wore a coat and a tie, just for the heck of it. Don't underestimate the coat - it is Levi's brand. I dont know why I agreed with David to go to Tillman's. However, it was fun going to the place. It is more enjoyable to go there when it is Spring, and drop by Hurd's Apple Orchard to buy pies and stuff. That "little dinky place" (to borrow David's words) is a actually a chi-chi place (read: high-end place), Hurd's that is. Ah, the marvel of America - the more rustic (or even when it is about to fall down the ground and dusty) the more extravagant it is. Last year, we went to Holloway House to eat. It is about a hundred years old but most people here consider it a luxury place. The place was full of elderly people who loves the feel of the past. The prices of food would give my mother a headache as it could feed a family of five back home. Well, for David and I, we thank the coupon. He he...

David enjoying his dinner.

The seafood platter. Sorry guys, that is all what's left. Where's the box?

So, after the marvelous dinner - with seafood platter cooked to perfection - we dropped by a store just a few miles away from the restaurant. I've never seen a grand place. It looked like a big factory building outside but once you are inside you will see tons of expensive Christmas decorations and gift items. I was even adamant in touching a lifesize Santa, because it is worth almost or more than P100,000 (including the taxes).


Well, so much for a birthday celebration.

This Santa cost almost or more than P100,000.

David trying to control himself not to buy anything. (Oh, but I'm sure he'll be back there).

Me, having a bad hair day. Good thing Santa was there to comfort me.

***

David baked me his superdupermegaover delicious brownies. He uses some special ingredients that would make your mouth water. Sigh, I've been eating brownies for a week now, but golly, I eat it with ice cream! Ha ha


Pam also sent me an e-card and Sylvia, David's sister-in-law, left a greeting on the answering machine. The ladies at church greeted me. And I was able to call home and talked with my mother and brother.


However, I am a bit saddened that it was my first birthday without my father.

I would trade any of my remaining birthdays... just to have my father back.

Cards Galore

Thank you card for Mary L.

Thank you card for Dr. Lon.

Birthday card for Pastor David.

Birthday Greetings to...

Mr. David W. Smith who celebrated his nth birthday Sunday, Feb. 24.

Pictures taken at Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Thank You Cards

I made thank you cards for those who offered comfort and help during my times of grief and need. I wish I could do more. I know my father would have loved to meet all of you.

Here are some of the many cards I made. I forgot to take pictures of the other cards.

Post-Disney 'Jitters'

I'm back! Like who cares? Well, David and I went to Florida for a week's vacation. It was a hectic and tiring vacation, primarily because we went to Disneyworld(!). It was one of David's quicker-than-lightning decisions. I was telling him that the gray weather of Rochester is depressing. Next thing I know he booked our trips to Florida.


We visited three theme parks - Epcot, MGM and Animal Kingdom. We decided to forego with the plan of visiting Magic Kingdom because the way the guidebook describes makes us cringe. If we have to assess it Magic Kingdom would be "exclusive" for kids. Okay, okay, David and I are both kids at heart but we decided to visit Magic Kingdom next time. Instead, we went to Cocoa Beach after swerving through several good sites to be visited next time, like Nasa Space Center etc. It was nice to see the Atlantic Ocean in all its splendor. However, it was too windy and cold to go in the water. Although the sun was shining the climate felt like mild winter in Florida. Days before our trip to Cocoa Beach we visited David's sister in law in Ocala. David's younger brother, Big Tim, was in Ocala too with his wife for a brief visit. They were going on a cruise the next day we visited them in Ocala. We had a nice lunch at Sylvia's house, David's deceased older brothers wife. There I came to love green olives. It was nice to hear their conversation - like "do you remember this and that" especially that David is fond of "trivializing" with other people's memory. Sometimes David would just ask, "Do you remember this dish that so and so made?" or "Do you remember that she had these set of pots and pans?" etcetera. Well, most of the time he can't remember where he put his things in the house but he remembers what happened in the past (to the finest detail).


Anyway, back to our Disney adventure I must say that was a very tiring and indulging affair. I was amazed with how the Disney bigshots planned the whole structure of the parks - even the entry and exit doors. They made the entry-ways so long and mazelike that you have to walk long ways to get to the main door. It is unlike other parks that by the time to head back for another ride you'd be out of breath. No wonder people say - "we have to visit the park another time." I even heard two young girls say, "This is the biggest park ever!" I can't argue with them. Take note: you have to do cardiac test, a lot of exercise "work-on-those-abs" (and legs) or even do a lot of marathon to survive the stress of going from one ride or show to another.


David and I were also amazed that a lot of elderly people visit the park. I saw one man, probably in his 70s or 80s, pushing his walker, not minding the packed crowd. It was as if he was thinking, "I don't care if you crush me you flukes! I've got to see Mickey in the flesh before I diiieeee!" At Epcot, we saw Snow White signing autographs and posing for pictures with the kids and their families. Only one dwarf was with her. David was wondering where the other dwarves went. I was about to tell him but didn't that as they were next to Germany's building, the other dwarves might have thought of earning extra money by working as beer servers. Octoberfest dahlings!

Well, so much for the fun.

TV Guide

The search is on for the next male and female American supermodel. Tune in to BravoTV's Make Me a Supermodel competition. I thought Josiah and Igor would make it. Darn.

To watch the screening click here


I'm betting on

1. Ronnie from Chicago, Ill. who found out that his partner of three years was working as a porn star and escort on the side without his knowledge.

Watch Ronnie's interview here.

2. Casey from Atlanta, Ga. who is also a singer and songwriter.

Watch Casey's interview by clicking this (@).

(BravoTV.com kind of mess up with Casey's other video. They instead put Ben's video under Casey's file)

3. Perry from Los Angeles, Ca.

To watch Perry's interview click this (&).

In Project Runway, Elisa, 42, from NY was eliminated in the Hershey's challenge. See it here.

When David Gets Crazy

This is what happens when David gets crazy... he books a 10-day trip to





We're leaving on the 10th of January.

Our Body Exhibit

Here's a glimpse of "Our Body Exhibit".

Last Minute Pre-New Year Activities

Two weeks before New Year's day, David and I had a marathon activity "splurge". David, primarily, wanted to take advantage of the dinner coupons from his coupon books, so we dined at Baxter's at the Radisson Hotel with his friend, Richard; at the Palladio at the Hyatt Hotel; Divino (formerly The Greenhouse Cafe) at the Holiday Inn Hotel etc.


We also watched concerts and movies, primarily, Tim Schramm's Concert at the New Auditorium Theatre (sponsored by the Rochester Theater Organ Society) which was totally touching and marvelous, Our Body Exhibit at the Rochester Museum which left me in awe as to the method the used in preserving the human body parts (because I just finished a semester of Human Anatomy course). We were supposed to watch the exhibit in Montreal (with Pam) last fall but the tickets cost twice there. In the Rochester exhibit I also asked two brothers if they were actors because the older one looks like Josh Hartnett while the other looks like Channing Tatum. Well, that's another story.


Also, David received tickets from his friend to The Little Theater which we should use before Dec. 31. So, we went to see two different movies. I watched...



which is imperfect storywise but perfectly magnificent in mood that left the audience crying in the end. (My former journalism professor was the former president of "The Little").


David, on the other hand, watched...



Then, Pam, on Dec. 31 called and asked us if we would like to use the tickets given to her son by "The Little". It was too late as we came home late in the afternoon and we had to attend a concert at church (I worked with the media).

Gifts

I think I am truly loved by a lot of people (I think...). I received gift cards this year from:

1. David Smith for Michaels (yey... I think Martha Stewart will love me)
2. Tim Smith Sr. for Borders (yey)
3. Calvin for iTunes (ah, yey?... because I don't own an ipod)

Pam gifted David and I with a gift certificate for Flour City Diner

I think I should make an accounting of what David gave to me this Christmas. The heaviest of which weighs 15 pounds: ha! a dumb-bell.

Happy New Year to my Family

My family sent me a Christmas card. I have yet to take a picture of it. How I miss them.


My mother inserted a letter. It was written in English.

Sigh, I have been away for a year but my mother thinks I wouldn't understand a letter written in our dialect.

Happy New Year to Papa Nitz, Mama Lin, Dodong and Lola Nisa.


Also Happy New Year to my cousin, Josie, her husband, Marlon and their three kids. The Berueda family is now based in Minnesota.


And Happy New Year to my Sun.Star Family (ex and current):

1. Ambo who is getting married next year
2. Idol Darren
3. Madz Tess
4. Miss Michelle
5. Nong Reynold
6. Nong Larry and the production people
7. Robert
8. Clai who got married this year
9. Danny D.
10. George P. (Dubai boy)
11. Jerome
12. Sir Henry V.
13. Gil, MA
14. Avelyn
15. Claudine

To my journalist friends:

1. Nang Nanette (ex-Sun.Star Iloilo ed.-in-chief; now with VDS)
2. Cedelf (sports editor of VDS)
3. Nang Toks of Philippine Star and Marhe
4. Tita Dolly Y. (now a councilor)
5. Nang Mate of Manila Times and Marhe
6. Eric L. (the new commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission; formerly the Philippine Olympic Committee ambassador)
7. Sir Henry D.
8. Carla of Negros Daily Bulletin
9. Joe Chua of Manila Bulletin
10. Sir Henry of VDS
11. Mike Limpag of Sun.Star Cebu
12. Nonoy Third (and Mommy Ging)
13. Sir Rios

Also to:

1. Congressman Monico Puentevella (as if close kami)
2. Sir Roger Banzuela (former Philippine Volleyball Federation president)
3. Sir Bing Soyao of Basketball Unified Sports Group
4. Sir James Sy, Jr.

and the list continues...

The Legend of the Apple Pie

When David bought a bag of 20 ounch apples last Saturday. I thought he was going to bake an apple pie for his "little old ladies" at the wellness center. Last Sunday, he was throwing pans in the oven, chopping apples to perfection, sprinkling sugar, etc. He was the "king of the kitchen" that day. He even cooked our dinner - baked pork chops with potato and dressing. Later when I asked him about the pie he said it's for us to consume.

What? The whole pie?

Oh well, typical David W. Smith.

David presenting his award-winning apple pie.

He used his mother's recipe.

Babies Galore

Introducing Chuckie, the fluffy squirrel; Timmy, the pink bear; Strut, the sympathetic rooster; and Davee, the cuddly moose.

Timmy was the first born and Strut came second. They both have been to the Philippines.

Chuckie is the third born and a Hallmark baby. He won't let go of his nut.

Davee is the fourth child and loves to read. Above, he's reading Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years Of Solitude."